Pattern of Esophageal Cancer in Sudan

Objectives: Carcinoma of the esophagus is the eights common cancer worldwide causing a lot of morbidity and mortality, defining the risk factors could aid prevention. In the current study, we aimed to explore the pattern of esophageal cancer in Sudan. Methods: Seventy-two patients referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and diagnosed with esophageal cancer were studied in the endoscopy unit of Omdurman Teaching Hospital during the period November 2013 to April 2016. Endoscopy was doneand histopathology reported for all patients. Information collected were: demographic data, symptoms due to esophageal cancer, associated risk factors, type and site of the lesion. Results: Out of the seventy-two patients with esophageal carcinoma their ages ranged from 31-93 years with a mean of 62.57±15.1years, 40.1% were males. The commonest presentation was dysphagia (98.6%) followed by loss of weight (93.1%). The majority were adenocarcinomas [80.6%], 91.6% occur in middle and lower thirds of the esophagus. Reflux esophagitis was reported in 40.3%, achalasia in 29.3%, while hot drinks consumption was reported in 20.8%. A significant statistical difference was evident between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma regarding Achalasia presentation P-value< 0.05, no significant differences were found regarding age, sex, reflux esophagitis, hot and spicy food, and obesity P-value> 0.05. Conclusion: Adenocarcinoma was commoner than squamous cell carcinoma, with the lower third of the esophagus more involved. A significant statistical difference was found between squamous cell adenocarcinoma and regarding achalasia., no significant differences were found regarding age, sex, reflux esophagitis, hot and spicy food, and obesity.